Woman who starved dog banned from keeping pets

Fiona Cuthill (31) appeared for sentencing at Stirling Sheriff Court today after previously pleading guilty to failing to provide sufficient adequate nutrition for her dog Snoop, who weighed under 6kg in November last year when animal welfare officers from the Scottish SPCA found him.

Due to her shocking care contrary to the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, Cuthill was also ordered to pay the SSPCA £500 in compensation.

The court heard Cuthill had suffered “financial constraints”, but SSPCA Inspector Louise Seddon said it was inconceivable she did not realise Snoop was in trouble and only needed feeding – not expensive veterinary care.

Insp Seddon, who was the first officer to attend Cuthill’s address at Kirkbride Terrace in Plean, added: “We received a report to our animal helpline that there was a dog at the property which was very thin and shaking and looked like it was dying.

“When I arrived I found Snoop in extremely thin condition and all his bones, especially his ribs and pelvic bones, were very prominent.

“He was in a semi-collapsed state and was only able to stand with difficulty when lifted. It was clear Snoop needed immediate veterinary attention and as he was barely able to walk I had to carry him to my van.

“The vet’s findings were that Snoop was severely emaciated and seriously dehydrated. He was immediately put on intravenous fluids and the vet was not sure whether he would survive.

“It was the vet’s view that, due to the level of dehydration, without water Snoop would likely have died within a few days, and with water death would have occurred within two weeks due to starvation.”

Despite his prolonged suffering and chronic undernourishment, fighter Snoop has went on to make a full recovery from his ordeal after round-the-clock care and is now a healthy 14.2kg.

Insp Seddon added: “We welcome the fact that Cuthill has been dealt with by the court and been banned from keeping pets for 10 years.

“We are also very pleased that Snoop went on to make a full recovery and now has a loving new owner.”